A timely reminder from BCST (Bird Conservation Society of Thailand) that visitors to Pak Thale in search of Spoon-billed Sandpiper should not walk on the narrow bunds between saltpans as they are easilly damaged. Keep to the large banks, and ensure the good relations that currently exist between birders and the salt farmers continues. See BCST Facebook.

Update on the confusing access situation at Doi Lang, based on several recent reports: No vehicle access through army checkpoint on the Fang side, which may be a permanent restriction. It may or may not be possible to walk beyond the barrier - seemingly depending on mood of the the personel manning the barrrier. Road up from Thaton side in very poor condition and requires a vehicle with high clearance, though 4x4 not necessary in the dry season. Upper army/border control police checkpoint on Thaton side currently allowing vehicles to pass through as far as San Ju viewpoint only.

Entrance fees at some National Parks to be raised, according to this article.

12 Oct

At Khao Dinsor, first couple of hours, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher and Dark-sided Flycatcher. A small movement of Chinese Sparrowhawk, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk and a Black-eared Kite.Dave Sargeant

An update on Doi Lang access: Doi Lang can be accessed from Mae Ai - the eastern side of Doi Lang. The camp ground before reaching the upper military base camp - Pha Hom Pok camp - is also open. However, the road between Pha Hom Pok camp and the San Ju check point, on the western side is still closed. Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok - Facebook

On 27 Sep, at Khao Dinsor, another quiet day with small movement of Chinese Sparrowhawk and Japanese Sparrowhawk, female Eastern Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Blue-tailed Bee-eater.ChumphonRaptorCentre - Facebook

News from Phuket. The famed Airport Marshes, the only site in Phuket which holds more than one record for the rare and highly elusive Great-billed Heron, has now been reduced to a pond, which will soon be filled in with soil and turned into a new hotel or housing development.Ike Suriwong - ThePhuketBirder

At Chiang Dao, 3 Mountain Imperial Pigeon, 2 Violet Cuckoo, 1 Red-headed Trogon, 2 Silver-breasted Broadbill, 3 Small Minivet, 2 Buff-breasted Babbler, 20 Striated Yuhina, 3 Northern White-crowned Forktail, 1 Purple-naped Sunbird and the resident Silver Pheasant of unknown origin. Note that the bridge on the road between the highway and Wat Tamphaplong has been completely washed away during a flash flood in the last few days - a diversion has been set up in the village.Dave Sargeant and Steve Tibbett

On 28 Jul, at Mae Taeng, 2 Common Sandpiper and 3 Wire-tailed Swallow.Dave Sargeant and Doug and Mary Burkholder

Some more local news for the south, from Phuket Birdwatching:

Seven waterfalls in Ranong which fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Parks, including Ngao Waterfall, have been closed due to heavy rainfall and mudslides. Numerous other smaller waterfalls are now raging torrents and the authorities have advised all people to stay clear of any waterfalls for the time being.

Khao Panom Bencha in Krabi is now shut due to mudslides in the park.

Three waterfalls on the Khao Chong - Khao Banthat Wildlife and Forest Reserve in Trang have been declared potentially dangerous and are off limits to visitors. Over 1,000 mm of rain has been dumped on the forests in the south, heightening the threat of mudslides and flash flooding in the region.Ike Suriwong - ThePhuketBirder

Sri Phang Nga National Park has been declared off-limits for outsiders due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of mudslides and flash floods. The announcement was made a few days ago by the park director. This is not a permanent shutdown of the park, and once the rains cease the park should again be open to visitors. Those who are interested in visiting the park but are unsure of whether or not it is open should call the head office at 0869525246.

Blue Banded Kingfisher is now nesting at Sri Phang Nga National Park. Visitors who wish to see it must call the head office in advance and arrange a ranger to accompany them to the site.

Krung Ching is very, very wet with a lot of rainfall in the region. The trail to the falls is very slippery and dangerous at the moment. The area should be avoided at the moment.Ike Suriwong - ThePhuketBirder

To clear up recent confusion concerning entrance fees to national parks; having personally visited both Doi Lang and Doi Inthanon in the last week it is confirmed that the entrance fee for foreigners remains unchanged at 200 Baht.

At Kaeng Krachan, Ban Song Nok hide, 3 Green-legged Partridge, 2 Kalij Pheasant, 4 Siberian Blue Robin and 2 Large Scimitar Babbler. [Log book has two entries for Blue Pitta in the last week. Also other birders report Ferruginous Partridge and Blue Pitta from Kaeng Krachan park].Dave Sargeant, John Lobel and Ken Petersen